Episode Summary

In this episode of The Mum Poster Syndrome Podcast, Dr Natasha Wallace challenges the idea that working mums should be striving for “balance”, and explains why this pursuit so often leads to burnout, guilt, and feelings of inadequacy.

Natasha explores how the pressure to be perfectly balanced across work, motherhood, relationships, and self-care is unrealistic and emotionally draining. Instead, she introduces a more sustainable and compassionate alternative: freedom over balance, and progress over perfection.

Through practical examples and reflective questions, Natasha shares how managing your energy, rather than your time, can help you feel calmer, more in control, and more aligned with what truly matters in your life. This episode encourages working mums to embrace flexibility, self-compassion, and small intentional changes, without trying to do everything at once.

Key Takeaways

🔑 The idea of perfect balance is often a myth for working mums.

🔑 Chasing balance can increase burnout and self-criticism.

🔑 Real freedom comes from aligning your choices with your values.

🔑 Progress over perfection creates sustainable change.

🔑 Flexibility matters, different seasons require different energy.

🔑 Managing energy is often more effective than managing time.

🔑 Freedom means having choice, not doing everything.

🔑 Rest is a necessity, not something you earn.

🔑 Celebrating small wins helps create a lighter life experience.

🔑 Focusing on what matters most, one step at a time, reduces overwhelm.

Key Takeaways

🕒 00:46 — The Myth of Balance for Working Mums

🕒 05:43 — Embracing Flexibility Over Rigidity

🕒 09:18 — Defining Freedom in Motherhood

🕒 11:44 — Shifting Focus: Progress Over Perfection

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